Yashoda Hospitals > Medicine FAQS > Topiramate

Topiramate: Frequently Asked Questions Answered

What is Topiramate?

Topiramate belongs to a class of medicines known as anticonvulsants. These drugs are anti-epileptics. This chemical formulation is medically used to control and decrease the activity of the brain. It is a primary choice of medicine for epileptic patients.

This therapeutic agent is not for use without a prescription. It is available in tablet form as well as capsules.

Topiramate is useful for migraines. It is used to prevent migraine headaches and not to treat the headaches.

What are the Uses of Topiramate?

The primary use of Topiramate is an anti-epileptic or anti-convulsant. It is a medicine to prevent seizures. Primarily used to prevent tonic-clonic seizures, these were also known as grand-mal seizures. Topiramate decreases the hyperactivity in the brain to decrease the chances of such seizures or convulsions.

Topiramate is also used as a medicine to prevent migraine based headaches. Once the headache starts, Topiramate does not help. It is only applicable to prevent headaches.

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What are the Side Effects of Topiramate?

Topiramate is known to have some mild side effects, such as feeling drowsy or sleepy. Some side effects such as dizziness, diarrhoea, and nauseous feeling are listed as known side effects. These side effects are usually mild and go away by themselves.

Serious side effects include loss of vision, extreme dehydration, raised body temperature, and blood acidosis. Occasionally, Topiramate may make the patient feel as if their thoughts have slowed down or their consciousness is disturbed.

Consult one of the many qualified and experienced doctors at Yashoda Group of Hospitals to understand if Topiramate is needed for you. With more than 30 years of multiple super speciality hospitals, the doctors at Yashoda Hospitals will give the correct and timely advice for your usage of Topiramate.

What is Topiramate

Uses of Topiramate

Side effects of Topiramate

References

Disclaimer: The information provided herein is accurate, updated and complete as per the best practices of the Company. Please note that this information should not be treated as a replacement for physical medical consultation or advice. We do not guarantee the accuracy and the completeness of the information so provided. The absence of any information and/or warning to any drug shall not be considered and assumed as an implied assurance of the Company. We do not take any responsibility for the consequences arising out of the aforementioned information and strongly recommend you for a physical consultation in case of any queries or doubts.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Topiramate

Topiramate acts on the nerve conduction speed and brain activity pace. It does not affect the muscles. By decreasing the speed at which the brain processes impulses, there can be a decrease in overall body activity. This does not make Topiramate a muscle relaxant.

Since Topiramate directly acts on the brain impulses, there may be a psychological dependence for the patient. By its molecular nature, it is not addictive. It is used to treat alcohol addiction in some cases. The stability and mental relaxation that it brings may cause the patient to feel dependent on Topiramate.

Itchy skin is known as pruritus. Pruritus is a very rare side effect of Topiramate. Hardly a few cases have ever been reported of pruritus caused by Topiramate. If a person is allergic to Topiramate, they may develop immediate itching. Consult the primary physician immediately in case of itching after Topiramate.

Topiramate is not to be discontinued without consulting a doctor. It is not a drug that a person can stop consuming suddenly. Stopping Topiramate without adequate precaution can cause further harm and withdrawal effects. It has to be tapered gradually under the doctor’s supervision.

Yes, Topiramate is a prescription-only drug and can be considered a controlled substance. Given the nature of the action of Topiramate, where it directly impacts the nerve conduction and impulses of the brain, it is classified as a psychotropic drug. It is a medicine that is not to be dispensed without a proper and valid prescription.

No. Topiramate is contra-indicated during pregnancy. Inform your doctor at once if you have been prescribed Topiramate and are pregnant. Topiramate can cause a cleft-lip or cleft-palate in the child while in the womb. If you were already taking Topiramate and have recently become pregnant, inform your doctor at once.

Topiramate does not directly cause memory loss. It may seem like memory loss since it acts on the nerves that conduct impulses and directly regulate brain activity. In some cases, it is observed to make the patient feel confused, not able to think properly, and even have suicidal thoughts.

Topiramate takes a long time to act on the body and the mind. It takes up to three weeks to show some results in some cases. Therefore, sudden cessation of Topiramate is not recommended. It has to be tapered under supervision by a qualified medical practitioner.

Yes, one of the known side effects is drowsiness or sleepy feeling. Some patients have reported feeling it. The action of Topiramate slows down responses by the brain and slows down the thoughts. This makes the patient feel as if they are sleepy or tired.

No, Topiramate is not a mood stabilizer by its direct actions. It can bring about a sense of calm for the patient by controlling the rate of brain activity. This calm state is misinterpreted as slowness. It does not directly affect the mood of the patient. In some cases, it can cause the patient to have suicidal thoughts.

S.no	Product Name	Dosage	Form
1.	Topamac	Topiramate 25mg/50mg/100mg	Tablet
2.	Topaz	Topiramate 25mg/50mg/100mg	Tablet
3.	Topirol	Topiramate 25mg/50mg/100mg	Tablet
4.	Leptomate	Topiramate 25mg/50mg/100mg	Tablet
5.	Nextop	Topiramate 25mg/50mg/100mg	Tablet